Vet Pete Wedderburn has the answers

Our 19-year-old cat, Poppy, regularly jumps a distance of 8ft from our breakfast table on to a bench. She had a near miss the other day and we are concerned that when our backs are turned she may injure herself. Do geriatric cats normally continue to try to achieve athletic prowess like this?

LS, SOUTH WALES

Cats are natural athletes, and some do seem to enjoy the challenge of pushing to the limits of their ability. This could be part of Poppy’s secret of longevity: she keeps herself physically fit by leaping like this. However, if you check YouTube, you’ll find that cats aren’t invincible: there are plenty of failed cat leaps caught on video. It’d be wise to adjust her environment to reduce the risk to her if you can. Even just a soft rug on the floor below her might be enough to save her from getting hurt if she does miss her step one day.

I’ve just adopted a German shepherd puppy, and I have a few questions about washing her. How often do I need to give her baths? Do I need special shampoo for her breed? And what kind of dog towel is best?

CT, UNITED STATES

It makes sense to wash a puppy regularly (e.g. once a week), making sure that they enjoy the experience (warm water, treats and praise) so that as they grow older, they are familiar with the routine. But many adult dogs almost never need to be washed: perhaps only if they get mucky. Use a bland puppy shampoo, but no need for a special breed one. Any type of towel is fine, but I like the microfibre Doggybag (doggy-bag.co.uk) as a way of keeping both dog and home dry afterwards, and Dogrobes (dogrobes.co.uk) are another good solution.

REWILD YOUR GARDEN TO SAVE HEDGEHOG LIVES

Wildlife rescue centres are reporting a surge in injuries to hedgehogs from strimmers, lawnmowers and bushcutters when these are used to trim undergrowth, hedges and foliage – where many animals build their nests. To minimise these, leave areas of your garden untouched, as wild havens where hedgehogs can make their nests in peace. For more information, see britishhedgehogs.org.uk and spikesfood.co.uk

RESCUE PET

Fern is an ex-racing greyhound who will be four in September. She loves cuddles and would love a comfy sofa to relax on! Call Wingletang Rescue and Rehoming Centre on 01822 810215 or email wingletang@mgar.org.uk

To view outcomes of rescued pets, see petethevet.com/ rescues

Send queries to petsubjects@ telegraph.co.uk or tweet @ PeteTheVet. All sick animals should be taken to a vet